Collingwood assistant coach Scott Selwood steps away from football after ‘challenging year’

Scott Selwood has announced he will step away from the AFL and focus on himself after a difficult year with the loss of older brothers Troy and Adam.

The 35-year-old spent the past six years as a Collingwood coach, playing a key role as an assistant to Craig McRae in the 2023 premiership year.

The Pies rallied around Scott in the pre-season following Troy’s death and again when Adam died three months later.

Scott, a West Coast club champion and ex-Geelong player, took time off and returned to the fold to complete the 2025 season but has now opted to look after himself with overseas travel and opportunities outside football.

“Twelve years in the system as a player and six as a coach has been some of the best years of my life,” Scott said in a club statement.

“It has been a personally challenging year for me so the timing feels right to take some time for myself away from football.

“I want to thank Collingwood for allowing me to coach the game I love. To experience premiership success with the people who have become second family to me will always be a special memory.

“There is so much to love about this club but I know what I’ll miss most is the people I’ve been fortunate to work with across the journey and the feeling I got walking across the MCG and hearing the chant of the great Magpie Army.

“A special mention to Fly (McRae) for giving me an opportunity as an assistant coach. You have a great care for your people and I thank you for your support, kindness and friendship.”

Collingwood football boss Charlie Gardiner paid tribute to the man better known around the club as Scoot.

“Anyone that has been lucky enough to work with Scoot knows he is an outstanding person and a very talented coach,” he said.

“He has been a much-loved and respected friend and colleague to everyone at Collingwood and a very popular coach and mentor to our players.

“Scoot is simply a great football person whose care and people-first approach has seen him get the absolute best out of people.

“We thank Scoot for his enormous contribution to our football club — he has played an integral role in the success of our program over the past six years, and our club is all the better for having Scoot a part of it.

“Scoot’s energy, charisma and wit will be missed within our four walls, but we wish him all the best for the future and his next chapter.”

Scott’s decision comes a week after the Pies fell one game short of the grand final.

Collingwood lost to reigning premiers Brisbane by 29 points in last Saturday’s preliminary final.

His brother Joel will be involved on grand final day as a Channel 7 commentator, while he will also present the premiership cup to Geelong if his former club can defeat the Lions.